Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
Bowls of cooked quinoa.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and salt, if desired, and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let stand until water is absorbed and quinoa has the texture you like, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For more flavor, cook with broth or milk instead of water.
  • For a roasted flavor, toast the grains in the saucepan. Stir the grains around at medium heat for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Topping ideas: fresh, frozen or dried fruit; milk or yogurt; chopped nuts or seeds; cinnamon or other spices. Savory toppings include vegetables and cheese.
  • Add to soups, grain bowls or grain salads.
  • No strainer? Use a clean coffee filter.

Comments

This is a no-fail way to cook quinoa. Turning off the heat and letting it sit to soak up remaining water keeps it from being soggy and overcooked.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Baked Meatballs
A bowl of baked meatballs made with oatmeal and grated carrot is shown on a placemat.

Baked Meatballs

Easy homemade meatballs with vegetables and oats for added moisture, flavor and nutrients!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
21 meatballs
Sautéed Leeks and Apples
 Bowl of tender leeks and red apples.

Sautéed Leeks and Apples

A sweet and savory side dish perfect for fall.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Minestrone Soup
Bowl of vegetable and macaroni noodle soup.

Minestrone Soup

This satisfying vegetable soup is full of veggies, beans and pasta.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Garlic Bok Choy
Small bowl of sauteed Bok choy.

Garlic Bok Choy

Easy, healthy side dish recipe that pairs well with one of our stir-fry recipes.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 Cups
Bean Salad
A bowl of salad made with different types of beans and crunchy vegetables is displayed on striped tablecloth.

Bean Salad

Quick and easy to prepare mix of beans with a tangy vinaigrette!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
7 cups
Southern Seasoning
Bowl of red spice mix.

Southern Seasoning

This spicy seasoning mix combines flavors to create savory meals with heat. Good with soups, stews and vegetables or use as a dry rub for meat, fish and poultry.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
about 1/2 cup